Disney Lorcana and publisher Ravensburger announced a new "Coconut" game format during Gen Con 2026 [1].
The introduction of this format marks a strategic shift toward casual, social gaming. By mirroring the structure of Magic: The Gathering's popular Commander mode, Lorcana aims to attract players who prefer expressive deck-building over rigid competitive play.
Co-creator Ryan Miller and Ravensburger said the rules in a blog post published on Tuesday ahead of the convention [1]. The Coconut format is designed to be a more relaxed experience centered on a specific commander card, which dictates the theme and strategy of the deck [2].
Unlike standard competitive play, this mode is intended for a small group setting. The format is best played with up to three friends [2]. This approach emphasizes the social aspect of the hobby, allowing players to build decks that showcase their favorite characters rather than focusing solely on winning.
The announcement at Gen Con 2026 [1] comes as the trading card game continues to expand its footprint in the global market. By providing a framework for a "commander-like" experience, the developers are offering a way for players to engage with the game's mechanics in a less stressful environment.
Ravensburger said it has not yet detailed specific tournament support for the Coconut format, as the primary goal remains a casual and expressive experience [2]. The focus is on allowing players to experiment with card combinations and thematic storytelling.
“The Coconut format is best played with up to three friends”
By adopting a Commander-style structure, Disney Lorcana is pivoting to capture the 'social' segment of the TCG market. This reduces the barrier to entry for new players and increases the longevity of the game by encouraging thematic collection and community-driven play rather than just meta-gaming.
